TPG Acquires 35% Stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla for $300 Million, Strengthening Drug Delivery Innovation
Key Insights
US private equity firm TPG (search), along with co-investor Novo Holdings (search), has agreed to acquire a 35% stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla (search) from Serum Institute of India (SII) for approximately $300 million, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.
SCHOTT Poonawalla (search), India's largest injectables-focused drug containment solutions company, will maintain its existing structure with SCHOTT Pharma retaining 50% ownership while SII will keep a minority stake following the transaction.
The strategic partnership aims to accelerate SCHOTT Poonawalla (search)'s global expansion by combining TPG (search)'s healthcare investment expertise with the company's advanced drug delivery solutions portfolio, which includes prefillable syringes, cartridges, and vials for biologics (search) and vaccines (search).
TPG (search) Growth, the middle market and growth equity platform of global alternative asset management firm TPG, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 35% stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla (search) from Serum Institute of India (SII). The investment, valued at approximately $300 million, includes Novo Holdings (search) as a co-investor and is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Following the transaction, SCHOTT Pharma will maintain its 50% ownership in the joint venture, while SII will retain a minority stake. The deal represents a significant milestone in SCHOTT Poonawalla (search)'s growth trajectory, providing additional resources and strategic insights to support its long-term global ambitions.
Strategic Significance for All Parties
SCHOTT Poonawalla (search) designs and manufactures advanced drug containment and delivery solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. The company's comprehensive portfolio includes cartridges for auto-injector pens, prefillable syringes for biologics (search), vials, ampoules, and regulatory services for pharmaceutical companies and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs).
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: "TPG (search)'s experience in healthcare investing and global network make them a strong partner as we scale and explore new opportunities. Our collaboration with SCHOTT Pharma will continue, ensuring supply chain resilience and advancing innovation in vaccine packaging and delivery."
Andreas Reisse, CEO at SCHOTT Pharma, highlighted India's strategic importance: "India continues to be one of the most dynamic and strategically important manufacturing hubs for SCHOTT Pharma. TPG (search)'s local market expertise, relationships, and experience from its strong presence in the Indian healthcare sector will complement our innovation capabilities and pure-play focus on injectables."
Market Position and Growth Opportunities
SCHOTT Poonawalla (search) has established itself as India's largest injectables-focused drug containment solutions company with world-class manufacturing infrastructure. The company has built an industry-leading reputation by offering high-quality products for over two decades.
Bhushan Bopardikar, Business Unit Partner at TPG (search) Growth, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are excited to partner with SCHOTT Pharma and Serum Institute of India and build upon SCHOTT Poonawalla (search)'s market leadership position. We look forward to partnering with the senior leadership team as they continue to innovate and improve the quality and standards of pharmaceutical drug containment solutions."
Ashok Saxena, Managing Director of SCHOTT Poonawalla (search), noted increasing market demand: "Now more than ever, our pharmaceutical customers are relying on us to supply next-generation cutting-edge drug delivery solutions, as they continue to innovate, expand operations and supply complex drugs."
Industry Context and Market Dynamics
The investment comes at a time when the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased demand for advanced drug delivery systems, particularly for biologics (search) and vaccines (search). SCHOTT Pharma, which has more than 1,800 customers including the top 30 leading pharma manufacturers for injectable drugs, generated revenue of €957 million in fiscal year 2024.
The global drug delivery systems market has been expanding rapidly, driven by the growth in biologics (search), biosimilars, and the need for more patient-friendly administration methods. Injectable drug delivery systems, in particular, have seen significant innovation to accommodate complex formulations and improve patient compliance.
Transaction Details and Advisors
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within the first half of 2025. Jefferies acted as the financial advisor to TPG (search), while AZB & Partners served as legal advisors to TPG and SCHOTT Pharma. J. Sagar Associates (JSA) provided legal counsel to Serum Institute.
Company Backgrounds
SCHOTT Pharma, headquartered in Mainz, Germany, is a global leader in pharmaceutical containment and delivery solutions with approximately 4,700 employees across 17 manufacturing sites worldwide. The company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as part of the SDAX and is majority-owned by SCHOTT AG, which is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
Serum Institute of India, part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, with products available in more than 170 countries. The company played a crucial role in the global COVID-19 (search) response, delivering over 2 billion vaccine doses worldwide.
TPG (search) is a leading global alternative asset management firm with $246 billion of assets under management and investment teams around the world. The firm invests across various strategies, including private equity, impact, credit, real estate, and market solutions.